THE VETERANS' HOME: GROUND PLAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12280, 26 May 1903, Page 6

THE VETERANS' HOME: GROUND PLAN.

(65th Pes.), J. McGratll (65th Res;.). J. Mccracken (65th Reg.), J. MePaddon (65th Re:;.), .1. McLiali (65th Keg.), J. Martin (66th Reg.)? P. Moss (68tn Reg.), V. McUermott (63th. Keg.), J. McQuinlan (70th Reg.), Israel Mugridge (70th Reg.). P. Murphy (70th Reg.), Alex Miller (76th Reg.), .). Mills (R.A.), Victor McOracken (R.A.), C./McCarthy (Middlesex Reg.), D. McCartney (Bth Hussars), O. Maginn (18th R. 1.), J. Murphy (18th R. 1.), J. Martin (65th Reg). C. McCarthy (65tu Reg.), J. Milars (84th Reg.),' J. Moul 95th Reg.), J. Madigan M.T.), R. Magee (R.A.). W. Moslen (R.A.), B. Morrison (12th Reg.), A. Millar (40th Reg.), W. R. Maxwell (R.N.), F. Mills (R.A.), T. M'ohr (70th Reg.), E. Marten (65th Reg.), C. S. Manchin (R.N.), W. Ne;lson (2nd Dragoons), J. Neeve (58th Reg.;. .1. N orris (65th Reg.), R. Nesbitt (65th Reg.), R. Nelson (R.A.), R. Nelson (65th Reg.), P. Neville (18th R. 1.), C. M. Newson (K.N.), .7. Neylon (18th R. 1.), J. Noonan (18th R.T.), H. W. Napper (R.N.), J. Connor (68th Reg.), D. OBnen (65th Reg.). P. Owens (97th Reg.). T. O Callaghan (65th Reg.). William Over (43H }£•)•■!?• O'Shca (R.N. and Guards), S Potter (57th Reg.). J. Pickup (65th Res.), E. Piatt (30th Reg.), J. Purvis (A.R.C.). G. I'etrg (70th Keg J. H. Power (Rifle Brigade). J. Pcnalligan (R.A.). M. Power (R.A.), A. Piekrell (R.E.), J H. Poile (R.N.). Geo. Palmer (loth Reg.) W. Prvke (6tli D.). J. Pridmoro (R.N.). P. Potter (57th Reg.). J. Pnrdy (68th Reg.), W. Percy (R.N.). Isaac Padding (65th Reg.), J. Quirilcy (14th Reg.). D. Quinn (M.T.), B. Ryan (Ist Foot), A. Rush (12th Reg.). J. Reynolds (27th Reg.). W. Riley (65th Re?.). T. Robinson (65th Reg.), Tsaac Radding (65th Reg.). J. Rylance (12th Reg.). M. Regan (17th Reg.). J. Redding (54th Reg.), W. R. Llovd (65th Reg.). ,1. Rav (70th Reg.), C. Rose (70th Reg.). S. Reid (R.E.), M. Ryan (17th Re?.), Alex. Smith (27th Reg.), W. Smith (40th Reg.), P. Slieedv (43rd Reg.), G. Stockton (50th Reg.), J. Sbea (57th Reg.). R. Skinner (58th Res.), A. Shlenker (65th Reg.). W Speakman (65th Reg.), J. Smith (65th Reg.), J Stevenson (65th Reg.). J. B. Somerset (Ordnance Corps). T. Spain (R.A.). J. Smith (32nd Reg ). J. Steer (35th Reg ). W. Steen (57th Reg.). .Te«se Sage (53th. Reg.). R. Skinner (58th Reg.). S. Sullivan (65th Reg.), J- Smith (65th Res.) F. Smallwood (68th Reg.). E. Shillingtnn (R.E.I, J Shaw (R.E.). V. Simmonds (Somerset L.1.). G. Lampson (R.N.). E. C. Saunders (R.N.)... T. Shepherd, N.Z.G. (68th Reg.). W. A. Smith

WAITING FOR THE GOVERNOR. In the meantime, at the Three Kings site, early arrivals began to put in an appearancebefore eleven o'clock. The temporary platform erected was gaily decorated with national flags, and the stono to figure in the coining ceremony hung by chain, block, and tackle in position. Captains Uaveney and Richardson were amongst the first on the scene, whilst a company of Permanent Artillery were present to assist the police at the gates. As the people began to arrive the vehicular traffic was diverted into the paddock by the lower gate, pedestrians being admitted by an upper gate. Whilst the people were assembling an interesting little ceremony took place at the Mount Roskill school, opposite, where the children were assembled and saluted the flag, after an appropriate address from the Rev. I*. Smallfield. The little ones, who had been drilled for the occasion by Sergeant-Major Carpenter, were then joined by the Onehunga scholars, and all were led by Mr. O'Donoghue, headmaster of the Mount Roskill school, and Mr. C. Bagley, chairman of the School Committee, to their positions at the left-hand side of the platform. Amongst those upon the platform and in the special enclosure during the ensuing ceremony were a large number of ladies and the following:—His Worship the Mayor (the Hon. K. Mitehebon), Sir John Logan Campbell, Bishops Neligan (Auckland), Julius (Christchurch), Williams (Waiapu), Mules (Nelson), and Nevill (acting-Primate), the Ven. Archdeacons Willis (Cambridge) and Walsh (Waimate), the Revs. Canons Nelson and Haselden, the Revs. Dr. Egan. Dr. Purehas, and P Smallfield, the Hon. J. Carroll (Native Minister). Messrs. Alfred Kidd, M.H.R. (ex-Mayor) F K. Baume, M.H.R., Genera) Babington' Colonel Davies, C.8., Lieutenant-Colonel Holgate. Colonel Banks, Lieutenant Banks (.Royal Imperial Field Artillery), Major Morrow, Captain Grant, Captain Richardson Captain Mcintosh, Captain Coatos and officers

stono bore the following inscription: — " Home for "Veterans. Established by the people of New Zealand as a national memorial to those who fell in the service of the Empire during the South African war, 18991902. Foundation stone laid on Empire Day, 1903, by the Earl of Ranfurly, G.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand.'* The formal part of the ceremony being accomplished the school children sang " The lied, White, and Blue,'' their performance reflecting credit both on themselves and their teachers, Misses Newbegin (Mount Roskill) and Hull (Onebunga). MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER. The following telegram was read by Viscount Northland, A.D.C., from the Right Hon. the Premier, Mr. R. J. Seddon:"l wish Your Excellency most heartily a successful opening. Though unavoidably absent, I am with you in spirit. The veterans who played so important a part in the history of the colony will now, thanks to Your Excellency's care, be provided with a home wherein they may spend their declining days. My good wishes are with you on this memorable occasion." This message was received with loud and prolonged cheers, the veterans displaying great enthusiasm. THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. His Excellency then addressed the gathering as follows: —At the commencement of the South African wax, when each day's cables seemed to bring in worse news of the progress of events in that country, New Zealand proved that she possessed a true appreciation of her responsibility as a portion of the British Empire, and a deep attachment to the Mother Country. (Applause.) Volunteers, far too numerous to be accepted, daily and hourly presented themselves on all sides; contingent after continent followed in rapid succession from these islands and each colony vied with the othei in their enthusiastio desire to re-establish

British supremacy in South Africa. (Cheers.) The inestimable moral benefit cf this unanimous support of the colonies at so critical a moment in the history of the nation can never be over-rated; but alas ! in rejoicing that the outcome has proved so entirely satisfactory, how many valuable lives have been lost to the country ! Such is the inevitable penalty for national greatness, but in all periods of our country's story the blood of our sons has been freely and ungrudgingly shed to establish and maintain a world-wide supremacy of the Anglo-Saxon race. (Applause.) We all of us feel that our lives belong to our country: we are all proud to own the name; we wish to remember the glorious deeds of our fellow countrymen far and wide throughout the world, and bring them to the knowledge of our children's children to keep the names of those who perished evergreen in our hearts, and so to follow their great example that our national honour may remain untarnished throughout the long ages yet to come. (Applause and cheers.) I have just laid the foundation stone of an institution destined to bring to remembrance more than 200 New Zealanders who gave their lives for their country in South Africa, and who in their deaths have more firmly "welded together the links that bind us into one great and united Empire. (Applause.) In erecting this building we wish to combine recognition of those who more recently fell with reward to those who honourably served their country in the past, to prove that we appreciate them none the less because youth is ovei and the bitter struggles of those days are less fresh in their minds. The Crimea, with all its glory and the suffering of our troops; the Indian Mutiny with its tragic tale of endurance and fortitude, and many another campaign, still arouse the warmest enthusiasm in British hearts, and because we see these things more in the perspective, none the less must those who participated in them be carefully considered by us. (Applause.) Our desire is that those who fought our battles in the past shall not be neglected in the present, but that they shall pass their declining years in comfort, honoured, respected, and cared for, and that when death shall claim them they shall have no pauper's grave, but theii names and services shall bo duly recorded. (Cheers.) We wish it clearly to be understood that this is not to be a benevolent institution, but that it is a reward for past merit, and that it is an honour and no disgrace to become an inmate. (Applause.) In the selection the utmost caution will be used, and consideration given to all point:, likely to make the home a success. No bad character or intemperate person will be admitted, such having forfeited their rights to be considered. The Board of Management is to be practically entirely military or naval, and merit will alone gain entrance. The question as to where the home was to be built was considered by this Board without reference to the claims of one city or another, solely on the advice of the lending medical men who pronounced that Auckland's climate was best suited for the men. (Applause-) This fine site was therefore purchased, and it is hoped that the building will be completed in September, with beds for 32 men, besides accommodation for four married couples, a new feature in such homes. As regards figures I will leave those to General Babington, our treasurer, who has been indefatigable in his support of this work. (Applause.) I will only say that we still need £7000 at least to effect a reasonable endowment, and for a national memorial this should be easily forthcoming. I venture to hope that all who have not subscribed will send in their contributions without delay, and so by placing this home on a working basis make it a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives in so sacred a cause. (Applause.) I have had communications about bequests. I hope this may be thought a fitting subject for such, and that in time our work may be extended. (Hear, hear.) Gifts in kind, as well as money, will be most valuable, and could be given to the memory of any one person by a relative or friend, or by a district for the up-keep of a special room or bed. The admission of the first corps of veterans is naturally a matter which interests those concorned. My committee consider that as far as possible, if suitable candidates are put forward, those districts which have subscribed the money should have, their proportion of inmates. (Hear, hoar.) This, of course, is no hard and fast rule, but it is the view of the committee, and so far as possible it will be carried out. Further details will be fully discussed before the opening of the home. In conclusion, I would remind those who are present to-day that what we now are, all we possess, all wo hope for in regard to our future prosperity or freedom, our institutions, our very Empire itself, we owe to the arms of England. (Cheers.) Without the protection of both services, by sea and by land, we could never have achieved the unrivalled position we hold to-day, and never have hoped for the great _ federation of the future, which shall combine the Mother Country, the colonies, and may we trust, another great Anglo-Saxon country in the glorious future. (Cheers and applause.) The cheering at the conclusion of the Governor's speech was continued for a considerable time, cheers being given by the veterans for both His Excellency and Lady Ranfurly.

ADDRESS BY THE MAYOR. His Worship the Mayor (the Hon. E. Mitchclson) said he had great pleasure in witnessing that ceremony. He was sure they would all agree that if it had not been for His Excellency the Governor the foundation stone would not have been laid that day. (Cheers.) The founding of the home was due entirely to His Excellency. Ho hoped every success would follow the work being inaugurated that day. Although he had not had the pleasure of being in the Old Country to see the veterans there ho had in his early days, seen two or throe years' service in the New Zealand militia in the " sixties." During that time he came into contact with many old veterans, several of whom were now among them. (Cheers.) He had great pleasure in meeting them on such an occasion, and was quite sure they all owed a deep debt of gratitude to Lord and Lady Ranfurly for the manner in which they had always been received by them since their advent into the colony. (Applause.) He hoped the building now about to be erected would prove a great success, and he endorsed the remarks made by His Excellency in hoping that the public would generously come forward, not only to give subscriptions, but also to make bequests, for it was certain that without money this work could not be carried on. He hoped the public of Auckland and New Zealand would take to heart the eloquent remarks of His Excellency, and see that the institution did not suffer in this respect, and that adequate funds would be readily provided to carry on the good work they were intending to do. (Cheers.)

GENERAL BABINGTON'S SPEECH. General Babington, who was received with applause, said that figures, as a rule, were not a subject of much interest, but as hon. treasurer of the Veterans' Home he would like to claim their attention while he regarded the position from a financial point of view. Up to the present £8024- had been placed to the credit of the fund, and further subscriptions amounting to some £500 were, ho understood, available. This gave a total of £8524-. The building of the home would cost £4+29, and £626 4s 6d had been paid for the land. It was calculated that £1000 would be required for the furnishing of the home. Beyond this sum £42 5s had been expended in. incidental expenses, and probably fully an additional £450 would be required for the same object. This left them, roughly speaking, with £2000 for the maintenance of the home. It was originally calculated, and it was still thought, that £9000 should be available for that purpose. This meant that £7000 was still required. The committee were now making an effort to obtain further assistance, and although it might be reasonably hoped that the appeal would meet with good support, it could not be said that financially the home was in the position it deserved to be. "Valuable aid had been rendered by individuals. Messrs. Scott Brothers, of Christchurch, had given a kitchen range, a lady had presented a clock in memory of her son, another had given pictures, another a garden seat, whilst the Union Steamship Company had offered to provide free passages to Auckland for the first inmates of the home. (Applause). In future weekly lists of subscriptions would be published. The home, as they knew, was established as a memorial to those who had left them on the morning tide, and it was intended to benefit those who had been spared for the evening tide. Let all. therefore, d( what they could to ensure that the preparations for their departure might be made under peaceful surroundings, and in that calm and sunshine which their services to the Empire so well deserved. (Applause and cheers.)

THE HON. JAMES CARROLL'S SPEECH. The Hon. James Carroll, who was then called upon, prefaced his remarks by reading a telegram from the Premier. This was as follows:—'" I am with you in spirit to-day on the memorable occasion of laying the foundation stone of this building, which, thanks to His Excellency a forethought, energy, and untiring efforts, has been inaugurated to give comfort to the aged and infirm, who in the days of trouble helped us so nobly. The home is a fitting recognition of the signal services rendered, the only reproach being that it was not done before. Happily now all is well, and the two races are living in amity together. Complete reconciliation has taken plaeo. and therefore the dead past should bury its dead. We should afford comfort and sympathy to all. I am on an errand of mercy myself at the opening of the Victoria wing of the bos-

pital at Wanganui. Had it not been for this and other prior engagements J would have been with you to-day.—R. J. SedSos." (Applause.) Sir Joseph Ward was also unable to attend the ceremony owing to an accident having befallen his son at Christchurch. It was a matter of regret to him that he could not be present, and ho sent an apology. That they should be assembled together on Empire Day at the laying of the foundation stone of a home for veterans was, said Mr. Carroll, sufficient to stir within them all their national feelings and pride and bring them to the surface so that they might disport themselves in all the glory of patriotic enthusiasm. While they were perpetuating the memory of those who fell ' the service of the Empire on South Africa battlefields by the erection of a fitting memorial, they should not forget the old props of the house of Empire, the veterans who played the game in times gone by, both on land and sea. (Cheers.) An eloquent history of the power of our arms could be constructed out of these old warriors. Every scar on their rugged features told its tale of battles won : bowed down by age and bearing traces of the rigours of climate and privation, they completed a beautiful poem in the history of our nation. (Applause.) When they contemplated empire they realised the significance and width of meaning in the term. They were associated a.nd bound by its history and tradition, by its greatness and prestige. (Cheers.) And when they remembered that those now lined before them, men carrying the marks of old age. were large contributors to that glory, active factors in adding to the lustre of the Empire, they were conscious that, whatever expansion and greatness were hidden in the future, their hearts were with the heroes who. often under unfavourable conditions, fought the valorous t fight of the people. (Cheers.) He was proud of his own connection with the Veterans' Association. Though he might be reckoned one of the youngest, amongst the members, still the mere association with such a body of men [sufficed to register in his heart feelings of (the utmost pride. Whatever the vicissitudes !of our national career might be. we knew, 'by the deeds of those who worked in the past, by the valour of heroes still among us, by the spontaneity of the response of our young people to the call of arms, that every time the war-note throbbed there would be a. healthier and a stronger confidence in the future; the integrity of the people, the oneness of the Empire, would ever be lustrous and undimmed. (Cheers.) They knew, too, that they could rely not only upon the strength of their arms, but also upon the wisdom and sagacity of their rulers. This was a great day, and they were of one accord in giving honour to the old flag, love to their King, pride to their Empire, and the fulness of their hearts to the old veterans. (Cheers.) In New Zealand there were classic grounds, disclosing the history of past misunderstandings, unfortunately resulting in conflict between the members of the two races inhabiting this island. Still, there were registered in connection with these conflicts noble and generous actions, and it was a great thing to be able to say on such an occasion as the present that all differences in the past were now buried in oblivion, and the two peoples were now bound together in ties of brotherhood and national sentiment. (Applause.) He gave them assurance that whenever occasion required it, and there was anything he could do that would help the cause of his fellow veterans, or promote the welfare of the country, they would not call upon him in vain. He should We found ready and willing to do his duty in such a cause. (Cheers.) ' GIFT TO THE FUNDS.

At this stage a bouquet of choice flowers was presented to Lady Eanfurly by three little girls, Miss May Brown handing Her Excellency the bouquet, and being supported by Misses Una Bates and Ruth Boyd. The Rev. Canon Haselden, Captains Richardson and Mcintosh, and Mr. G. J. Brown then presented to His Excellency the Governor a purse containing 38 sovereigns. Canon Haselden explained that the amount represented the balance of the patriotic funds raided in Onehunga. Twenty-five pounds had been spent in relieving the wounded and £5 had been donated to the Soldiers' Grave Guild. He arid his fellow trustees then present had been authorised at a meeting of subscribers to hand the £38 balance over to the Veterans' Home. He therefore had pleasure in asking His Excellency to accept the purse for that purpose. His Excellency, in thanking the donors, said that ho did not "think the Onehunga subscribers could have handed their balance over to a more deserving object. He remarked also that in doing so the money fulfilled the object for which it was first raised, for the time might come in future years when veterans of the §outh African war might be inmates of the home.

The vice-regal party were then escorted back to their carriages, the troops and veterans saluting as they passed, and many a hearty cheer greeting their exit from the scene.

THE VETERANS' LUNCHEON. ENTERTAINED BY THE GOVERNOR. A LARGE AND INTERESTING GATHERING. SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY. The ceremony of laying the foundation Etone having been concluded, the vice-regal party drove back to Government House. The veterans followed shortly afterwards, and about two o'clock they assembled at Government House preparatory to being entertained at a luncheon and concert by the Governor and Lady Itaufurly. THE PREPARATIONS. The luncheon was laid out in the ballroom, which was closely filled in every part, there being about 310 veterans present, whilst about 60 overflowed into the diningroom, thus making a total of about 400 in attendance. The ballroom was very prettily decorated for the occasion with flags and bunting. On the dais was the Royal Standard and above the dais the Royal arms, with the Union Jack and the flag of Japan on one side and that of the United States on the other. At the further end of the room the Union Jack and the flags of Scotland and Ireland were placed. The room was adorned with a profusion of bunting. The decorations were carried out by Mr. Kisby, of the Tonson Garlick Company. A case of war medals, numbering about 60, the property of one of the veterans, was exhibited outside the building prior to the luncheon, and it was inspected with much interest by the large assemblage of veterans. The collection included medals issued from the time of Waterloo, and included one granted for that memorable engagement. Among those who occupied seats on the dais, in addition to His Excellency and Lady Ranfurly and suite, were His Worship the Mayor (the Hon. E. Mitchelsan), Bishop Nevill (Acting-Primate), Bishop Williams (of Waiapu), Bishop Neligan (Auckland) and Mrs. Neligan, Miss Burdett and Miss Reid, the Very Rev.. Dr. Egan, General Babington, Colonel Davies, C.8., Colonel Banks, Captain Minetfc (of the United States gunboat Wheeling), Captain Coates and officers of H.M.S. Sparrow, the officers of H.M.s. Wallaroo, Lieutenant Banks, the Hon. J. Carroll, Mi. C. J. Moran, M.L.A. (West Australia), Mr. F. E. Baume, M.H.R.. Mrs. Pariah, Mrs. McCosh Clark, Mrs. and Miss Roy (New Plymouth), and Mr. J. Webster (of Hokianga). THE LUNCHEON. A very excellent repast was provided, and after grace had been said by the ActingPrimate, the contents of the tables received adequate justice from the veterans. His Excellency, who was received with great applause and cheering, then took his place at the head ot the table and addressed the veterans. HIS EXCELLENCY'S ADDRESS. His Excellency said: Gentlemen, —I wish to bid you a very hearty welcome. I regret that the room would not hold more, as I should have liked to have seen more of the younger veteran.'— of the South African present, but, as you can see, this was impossible. Many old faces are missing since last year, and amongst those who have gone to their rest is the late Primate (Bishop Cowie), who was always a true friend of the veterans. (Applause.) Whenever he came across an old soldier, no matter whether he belonged to his own or any other church, Bishop Cowie was always ready to do all in his power to assist him, especially if he was an old Indian Mutiny man, but whether Mutiny men or not, he was a good friend to all veterans. (Applause). The very last word that he wrote in his diary was " veterans," and one of the last, if not the last, letter written by him was one written to me only 24- or 48 hours before his death regarding an old Lucknow man. You have suffered a very severe loss(hear, hear)but I hope that as the old go others may come on, younger and possibly more active, and that they will take an interest in those who have fought the Empire's battles, and that in years to come, possibly not I. but others, may see the- Veterans' Home a lasting boon to the army and navy. (Applause.) I may tell you that there is no question about theri being plenty of people wanting to go into the home. Wo have at the present moment a long list of names, sufficient to very nearly fill every bed. We have not gone into the question of the candidates yet, but we intend to pick out those who deserve to be recognised. (Applause.) His Excellency said that

owing to the latent ofjthe hour there „« m bo no other speeches. too concwlt l woui 4 posing the health of " £ £ ** b J. Pr ? which wa, honoured £ bumper K "* M pagne, accompanied Ms the ■■•*„■ ca araNational Anthem. J = ' n * ln * ° th, The veterans then dive cheers '„. ti- « celleney and Lady pjnfurly Hu * eluded this portion ol the pWeeedS "* Ihe band of the 'Countess of Pi i_, Own" Battalion rendered f >i« ♦;,.,« v" tho luncheon. -'ecuons during THE CONCERT. On the veterans reassembling i n thp _ the owing concert programme was ,?!* efficiently gone through :-Song, «■•£* Deathless Army," }I rs . I'a-kes- s „ e Want to go To-morrow," Mr V \\- D |'i " * (encored); duet. "The Army and Nat?" Messrs. V. Dos.etor and II Siel.hin * y ' dolin solo, Mr A A. r.rtS?.' £* Ballymoney Conversazione" «1„ V? n? - Rev. Dr. Egan (encored); son? ■' i ery , the Camp Fire." Mr. If S>ebhn„ . •? d tion, " Whistling Canary,- Mew™ o l""*" and J. Smithsou: song,""Alwav«"h™. v ?' 1 * Black," Sir. F. W. Lloyd (encored*) f ** - When the Empire. Call* ' Mr % \t ** setor: song " Rule Britannia,'' Mr. H tetebbing. The whole company then re", and sang Cod Save the King" V) veterans then dispersed civing further dii-T for tho Governor and Counter 0 f an f, ! and shaking hinds with His ExcellencyTrs Her Ladyship Tims ended Empire D« 1903—a day drstuied to be memorable in iL annals of Auckland and Now Zc-'-nJ . d long to be clierished with th» mo* v ird " of recollections in the hearts of our"vct*r*£ and in the minds of all who wore privileged to. witness the ceremony and functions con nectod with so important and auspicious w occasion. 4 " "